Swimming Australia and the Australian Swimmers Association (ASA) announced a partnership extension on Thursday, which sees the two organizations reach a new funding agreement that will run through 2028.
The two parties first inked a deal in 2023 that gave athletes a share of Swimming Australia’s commercial revenue from sponsorship, broadcast rights and licensing.
The new agreement essentially extends the existing partnership for a key period on the horizon for Australian swimmers, laying a “dynamic framework for collaboration to maximize opportunities leading into the LA and Brisbane Games.”
Australian Swimmers Association General Manager and Dolphin Josh Beaver said, “This new agreement provides the refreshed and repurposed Australian Swimmers’ Association with a wonderful opportunity to deliver meaningful impact for athletes, alumni, and the broader Australian swimming community.”
“We are encouraged by Swimming Australia’s renewed commitment to athlete-first leadership, and the ASA looks forward to collaborating with SA while delivering initiatives that support Australia’s elite swimmers – in and beyond the pool.”
Swimming Australia’s announcement on Thursday said the two parties will be working collectively “on revenue-generating opportunities for the sport and athletes, particularly around new events, marketing outcomes, participation bonuses and prize money.”
The national governing body also announced “a more robust agreement” that will allow Swimming Australia to sell the Dolphins brand commercially (team sponsorships using the group’s intellectual property) while maintaining flexibility for individual swimmers to pursue personal sponsorships.
“We are delighted to have finalized this new agreement with the ASA and look forward to continuing our work together to build our sports profile and impact over the coming years, and our shared purpose of inspiring Australia through swimming,” said Swimming Australia CEO and Dolphin Rob Woodhouse.
“Our new strategy relies on our ability to work hand-in-hand with our athletes to grow the brand of swimming, and the partnership and close working relationship with the ASA will ensure its success.”
According to Swimming Australia’s most recent Annual Report, the organization generated just over $26.3 million AUD ($17.4 USD) in 2024 while operating at a small (approximately $400,000 AUD) deficit.
What about the Australian Coaches? Do they have an ASCA or similar?
They do. SCTA – Swim Coaches & Teachers Australia.
https://swim.org.au/
Dear KNZB: please take notes.
Talking to Aussie elites about the Australia Swimmers Association and what ASA does for Aussie swim stars. Hoping to gain insight as Team USA swimmers do not have an org that defends or looks out for their rights. If anyone can unpack this for me, I’d greatly appreciate it.